LAREDO, Texas –
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Laredo office conducted an investigation leading to the indictment of a Houston man charged with conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants.
On Feb. 9, a Laredo grand jury returned an indictment against Brodrick Keith Rhodes, 32, from Houston, charging him with conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants. Rhodes is expected to appear before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
According to court documents, the charges allege that on Jan. 12, authorities stopped Rhodes after he approached the Freer Border Patrol checkpoint driving a semi-truck and refrigerated trailer.
He had claimed he was hauling lettuce and produced a bill of lading.
However, law enforcement allegedly noticed discrepancies and that Rhodes appeared nervous. Further, the refrigerated trailer was set to 30 degrees but the internal temperature was at 68, according to the charges.
After a K-9 alerted to possible presence of contraband in the cargo area of the trailer and a subsequent inspection, authorities ultimately discovered 119 undocumented immigrants.
Rhodes allegedly claimed he worked for a business in La Porte, Texas, but the bill of lading indicated he was transporting lettuce from a Laredo produce company to a location in Sugar Land.
The business indicated Rhodes had never been employed with them nor do they transport outside the Houston area, according to the charges.
Further, the complaint alleges the other two companies confirmed they had no record of the shipment.
Some of the transported undocumented immigrants said they had been taken to and told to get in the truck. It left soon after and did not stop until it reached the checkpoint, according to the allegations.
If convicted, Rhodes faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum possible $250,000 fine.